Driving While License Suspended

Legal Definition

A person commits this offense by operating a motor vehicle on a public highway while that person's driver's license or privilege to drive has been suspended or revoked by the Motor Vehicle Division or a court. The suspension or revocation must be in effect at the time of operation. Knowledge of the suspension is typically required, which may be established by proof of notice or prior contact with law enforcement.

Possible Punishment

Up to 364 days in county jail and a fine up to $1,000. Courts may impose additional license suspension or revocation periods. Repeat offenses within a short time frame may result in enhanced penalties, including mandatory minimum jail time and longer suspension periods. Vehicle impoundment is also authorized in many cases.

Criminal Traffic Cases in Doña Ana County

Not every traffic offense is a ticket. Driving on a suspended or revoked license, reckless driving, and fleeing an officer are criminal charges that end in booking rather than a citation, and they appear constantly in our feed. Suspended-license charges in particular tend to snowball: unpaid fines lead to suspension, driving anyway leads to arrest, and missing the court date adds a bench warrant.

Criminal traffic cases are heard in Las Cruces Municipal Court for city violations and Doña Ana Magistrate Court for state charges. If alcohol or drugs are involved, the case moves into DWI territory with its own mandatory penalties.

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